Rear Shock Preload (standard)

[Yamazer-92]

This may have been discussed a lot before in which case I apologise but the past year of owning my fazer I never bothered to check the rear preload on the rear shock. It was on setting 4 which I found out in the Haynes is standard, so I did a bit of research on the old forum and set it to 6. My front fork adjusters are stuck on 4 rings showing but apparently that's okay anyway. Honestly, even with tyres in need of replacement the bike has never handled so good. Part of that is repairing / refurbing the forks and using 15w oil but my mate who I ride often with on his bandit even remarked how great the bike seemed today, he couldn't keep up especially in the corners when I was in the lead and pushing the pace a bit more.


So what suspension settings do you run? A bit gutted I never adjusted it before but also really happy I've just discovered it now whilst doing a lot of other things like k & n and a good service with new oil, iridium plugs and STP fuel cleaner (awesome and can actually feel a difference). Bike has never felt so good and I've never enjoyed biking so much. Next month is stainless pipes, new tyres and a carb balance then I'm all set for the summer 

[Punkstig]

Mines on max setting, but that's cause my top box is always full! 

[Andy FZS]

I had mine on max preload and the bike started to move around at the back at anything over 60mph so I dropped it to softest and back up 5 and now it's solid in exess of ##..
Andy

[darrsi]

Yamazer-92 says "...STP fuel cleaner (awesome and can actually feel a difference)..."

Please take note people, that stuff is good gear!

[Motorbreath]

Can anybody measure the static and rider (and your weight) sag of the original bike? Mine has different aftermarket shock and dogbones. Front suspension measures would help too.

[Yamazer-92]

I bought the STP on yours and Packies advice Darrsi, tbh most of the things I've done on my bike you have had some sort of say in haha (If it breaks I'll send you the bill  ) Yeah max setting seems pretty extreme, I am happy with number 6 at the moment. How do you measure sag motorbreath?

[darrsi]

Smart move, please advertise your results, i'm confident with your response! 

[Motorbreath]

How do you measure sag motorbreath?

This is an Ohlins chart, but they have another site with different numbers too:
 http://www.ohlins.eu/en/motorcycle/technics/Setting-up-your-Bike-part-2-spring-preload--3554/

Everybody recommend different setting.

Stock front springs are dual rate: 0'75kg/mm-1,4kg/mm. Stock rear is 147kg/mm

Mine has 1kg/mm front springs. 137kg/mm rear spring with shorter linkages (shorter linkages should rise the effective spring rate)

Now it achieves:
- Free sag: 25mm front, 7mm rear. The rear of the bike has been lightened about 8kg: titanium can, lithium battery. No centre stand, pillion bar and tools.
- with 85kg rider + 10kg of leathers: 36mm front, 29mm rear.

[midden]

How do you measure sag motorbreath?

This is an Ohlins chart, but they have another site with different numbers too:
 http://www.ohlins.eu/en/motorcycle/technics/Setting-up-your-Bike-part-2-spring-preload--3554/

Everybody recommend different setting.

Stock front springs are dual rate: 0'75kg/mm-1,4kg/mm. Stock rear is 147kg/mm

Mine has 1kg/mm front springs. 137kg/mm rear spring with shorter linkages (shorter linkages should rise the effective spring rate)

Now it achieves:
- Free sag: 25mm front, 7mm rear. The rear of the bike has been lightened about 8kg: titanium can, lithium battery. No centre stand, pillion bar and tools.
- with 85kg rider + 10kg of leathers: 36mm front, 29mm rear.

Is this table correct for the fzs600 only i checked mine today and found that the rear loading was already set on 8  and gave the following results
R1 R3 = 53 
R1 R2 = 09


the front loading was set on the third line from top
F1 F3 = 50
F1 F2 = 27


Obviously I'm a large rider but I have have atleast 5st allowance before reaching the bikes max load so I would have thought with the preloads set so high I would have been within the limits shown on the table. Any thoughts? (other than the obvious who ate all the pies)


A earlier post mentions lowering preload from max then raising 5 made it solid, is that to mean the bike just held the road better or somehow the springs needed releasing to get them working again?

[darrsi]

Nothing wrong with pies.......

[Punkstig]

Midden,  that's showing that your free sag is within recommended limits but your rider sag is way off, heavier springs required bud, getting the sag setup will change handling dramatically!

[elbrownos]

Where's the best place to buy STP fuel system cleaner? Can't find it for less than £15

[darrsi]

Where's the best place to buy STP fuel system cleaner? Can't find it for less than £15

That's standard price, you won't find it much cheaper.
Worth every penny if you've not used it before though.
Use half a bottle each time over 2 full tanks of fuel.

[jason1]

Found some stp complete fuel cleaner on ebay for £8.50 on a bidding basis . Not seen since tho . Blinding stuff too

[midden]

Midden,  that's showing that your free sag is within recommended limits but your rider sag is way off, heavier springs required bud, getting the sag setup will change handling dramatically!

I suppose Yamaha don't do heavier shocks specifically for the fzs?
I've set it on highest for time being and have to say after my ride today I notice the difference on the rear end. That is the arse department, as in first time sore arse

[Slaninar]

The basics on first 5-6 pages:

http://s642.photobucket.com/user/woodpants/media/PB%20Suspension%20Set-Up%20Mannual/da589ce7.gif.html?sort=6&o=0


FZS600 is at page 60, or something like that.  Mine rear shock is standard, at 5 out of 9. For loaded riding or track, it can go up to 6.

[thunderpantz]

Noob question.... how do you adjust the rear shock?

[Punkstig]

Midden,  that's showing that your free sag is within recommended limits but your rider sag is way off, heavier springs required bud, getting the sag setup will change handling dramatically!

I suppose Yamaha don't do heavier shocks specifically for the fzs?
I've set it on highest for time being and have to say after my ride today I notice the difference on the rear end. That is the arse department, as in first time sore arse

Hyperpro spring off eBay for £85, you will also need a spring compressor if you intend to do it yourself.

Noob question.... how do you adjust the rear shock?

Towards the top of the shock (just above the spring) is a rotating collar, you should have a toolkit under the seat in the area at the rear lights with a 'C' spanner and extension bar, there are 9 positions, 1 being softest, 9 hardest, 4 is standard setting, rotate clockwise to increase preload (heavier rider) looking down on the shock from above the bike determines anti/clockwise direction!

[thunderpantz]

Cheers punk

[Andy FZS]

Tried to look at the photobucket pics but I can read any of it, can I download it to get a sharper image? I'm not aufei with photobucket.  Obviously...lol.
Andy